The article “Civics Education” [Learning Curve column, June 6], mistakenly refers to “American democracy.” Of course, the United States was founded as a constitutional republic, not as a democracy. We pledge allegiance to the republic of the United States. The word “democracy” doesn’t appear in our federal Constitution, nor in the constitution of any of the 50 states. When Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government our founding fathers gave us, it is reported that he stated, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

This is a republic, not a democracy. Let’s keep it that way!

David Hammer, retired